French Open 2022 verdict: Defiant Rafael Nadal, irresistible Iga Swiatek, tumbling Novak Djokovic

Rafael Nadal and Iga Swiatek were the champions in Paris, but what did we learn from two weeks of a drama-filled French Open? Nadal continues to defy everything Ad/> How? /> Roland-Garros'No one wants to miss Wimbledon' — Nadal aiming to continue Calendar Slam pursuit14 HOURS AGO How at the age of 36 years old has Rafael Nadal done it again? How he has won the same amount of French Open titles as Pete Sampras won Grand Slam titles? How has he won for a 14th time in Paris for the loss of just three sets, after hobbling and grimacing his way off court just a few weeks ago in Rome? How is he still so clutch in the big moments, such as when he was 6-2 down in the first-set tiebreak against Alexander Zverev? Or when he roared back in the fourth set to beat Novak Djokovic? How can he ever be written off again? And how much longer will he go on for? Nadal is defying expectations, Father Time and history like few others before him. His performance level and fighting spirit continues to be astounding, and the fact he is halfway to a Calendar Slam for the first time in his career, at his age and with his recent injuries, is remarkable.

Now two ahead of Djokovic and Roger Federer in the Grand Slam standings, the GOAT-ometer has shifted a notch further towards Nadal. Nadal not ready to retire, planning to play Wimbledon 'Nadal ahead of Roger and Novak in GOAT debate' Swiatek in a league of her own Unstoppable.

Unplayable. Unwavering.

Throw all the praise and superlatives Iga Swiatek’s way, she deserves it. There was enormous pressure on her as she went into the French Open on a 28-match winning run and she delivered, only dropping one set on her way to victory and producing another masterclass in the final (her average of losing 4.7